[Note: The 2008 reformatted edition contains all the same material as the previous edition and the same pagination. Where available, new photos were obtained for the master pages for better reproduction. Also, the text formatting has been updated to remove upper case and underlining, as well as some bolding. See sample pages above.]

Jerald and Sandra Tanner's most comprehensive and revealing work on Mormonism.Writing in the October 1990 Sunstone, book dealer Curt Bench compiled "A list of the books which have had a significant influence on the development of Mormon history, theology, and literature." The Tanners' Mormonism—Shadow or Reality? was listed among the 50 important books on Mormonism in the first 150 years (1830-1980).

Mormonism—Shadow or Reality? deals with: new discoveries relating to Mormon history, changes in Joseph Smith's
revelations, Joseph Smith's 1826 arrest for 'glass looking,' proof that the Book of Mormon
is a product of the 19th century, changes in the Book of Mormon, archaeology and the Book
of Mormon, changes in Joseph Smith's History, the First Vision, the Godhead, the Adam-God
doctrine, the Priesthood, the missionary system, false prophecy, Joseph Smith's doctrine
of polygamy, polygamy after the Manifesto and in Utah today, changing the anti-black
doctrine, the rediscovery of the Joseph Smith Papyri and the fall of the Book of Abraham,
Mormon scriptures and the Bible, changes in the Pearl of Great Price, Blood Atonement
among the early Mormons, the Word of Wisdom, Council of 50, the Danites, the temple
ceremony, changes in the temple ceremony and garments, the Mountain Meadows Massacre,
Mormonism and money, plus hundreds of other important subjects.